Impact of Muga Silk (Antheraea assamensis) on Community Livelihood in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam-India

Abstract

Muga the golden-yellow silk produced by ‘Antheraea assama’ is found only in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam-India. This species of silkworm is semi-domesticated in that the rearers collect the worms that crawl down at the end of their larval period. They are allowed to spin cocoons in the rearer's houses. The gleaming golden yellow silk is referred to in literature from as long as 1662 BC. The ‘Antheraea assamensis’ is cultivated especially in Brahmaputra valley because it’s characteristic ecological requirements are found only in its natural abode. The declines of Som (Machilus bombycina), Soalu (Litsaea ppolyantha) plantation areas in rearing and sericulture farms have pushed Muga silk towards the verge of extinction. Encroachment in government Som plantation (host plant) areas is one of the prime causes of decreasing food availability of Muga silk worm. If measures are not taken the Muga (Antheria assamensis) heritage of Assam may face extinction in the near future. Considering the ecological conditions, food plant distribution, presence of eco-types and species of diverse nature in co-existence, it is speculated that this region is a possible home of origin of Antheraea. In this paper the researcher emphasizes the possibility of sustaining community livelihood in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam, India.